Updates

Life seems to have calmed down a bit, which you would think would give me more time to write. lol

Last night Lucy woke up after having what I presume was a bad dream, and was telling me how the animals were going to get her. Then she got up and after looking around, proclaimed the animals wouldn't get her because they were in a cage. She specifically mentioned that the deer wouldn't get her, so I'm going to blame that one on daddy for watching too many hunting shows. She's always say she wants to "shoot that deer." She has also learned the whole "you're not the boss of me" line too. I don't know who invented the facade of the terrible twos. It's threes and fours that kill us.

Ella slept at Grandpa and Grandma Rouse's last night. She called this morning and had wanted my dad to shave her leg for her. It's SO hairy. She said it looked like a man's. lol And she wanted the hair off now. I talked her out of it by telling her it would grow back like Daddy's whiskers. That appeased her for awhile but I doubt it will last.

Pete is getting wilder by the day. He still doesn't say much but he always manages to get what he wants. I think we can credit his two older sisters for that one. He is the snuggle bunny and he wants all of mommy, all to himself, all of the time. I think his horoscope said something about that. Crazy how right on those things can be.

Andy broke his finger play "muffin top basketball." Apparently that defines the physic of the old fat guys trying to relive their youth. Serves him right. But he still sure can play.

Ella's Christmas concert is this Thursday. I can't believe it! Santa better get moving! Lots of gifts to get ready.

I ordered our Christmas cards already, earlier than ever, but I haven't even started to send them out. Handed out a few. Better get on that or I'll still be late. :)

Tomorrow is December 1st. How has another year gone by SO fast???!!

No Cast!

Ella got her cast off today. It was the best birthday present I could hope for. She has a walking cast for three more weeks, then they'll xray again.
She just took her first bath in nine weeks. Her poor little leg.

Go Cyclones!

Mommy and Daddy had a day off and escaped for a bit to Jack Trice stadium for a little night time football. It was family weekend, but unfortunately we were without our family. It was supposed to rain, so we couldn't bring Ella because of her cast. But it turned out to be a PERFECT night for football. And the Cyclones won! And even the Hawks did too. :)

We're into band aids

Lucy has entered the "I love band aids" stage. For the past week, she has wanted one on her lip. I finally gave her one. Here's some pics of our little Hitler. :)

Ella went back to school yesterday. She was so excited...and exhausted. She was actually more tired today but hit serious meltdown mode last night.
They found a special desk for her and the kids draw straws to see who gets to ride up in the elevator with her. She was also a "hit" at recess, so she wasn't sad about not being able to play on anything. She told us today, however, that in PE she just had to sit here which wasn't fun at all. :)

Mom and Dad just gave us their old van today. We are thrilled! It's so nice. And their new one is really nice. Dad doesn't mess around. I'm glad he decided to splurge. He deserves it. They both do. Mom loves it too. We are incredibly lucky, and thankful for their generosity.

Thank goodness for AFLAC

The one thing we did do right this past year is buy an AFLAC policy because let me tell you, we are racking up the accidental and hospital claims left and right.

Just found out not only is my foot/toe still broken, it's actually displaced more than it was four weeks ago, so they are sending me to a specialist. Probably going to need surgery and a pin.
Seriously, can you really do anything but laugh at this point? :)

Ella's last day home is tomorrow. We're going up to school to practice getting around.

Lucy and Pete had good days at school. Pete was asleep when I got there to pick him up, of course. And Lucy was waiting at the bottom of the stairs for me. Is there anything sweeter?

I finally just went for a run with kids in the jogger tonight because I figure, why not at this point. I've stayed off of it for a month and it's worse than it was, and the mental "release" of the run is worth it. I was gimpy but man it felt good. :)

Things are looking up

Ella got her second cast put on today. It's neon pink and half the diameter of the old one. Her leg was really swollen before, and now it's so skinny it looks like an arm cast. Ella was a amazing. She couldn't eat until almost 4:00 and she never even complained. She surprises me every day.

Tonight, we were all on the deck when some motorized parasailers flew over our house. One of the three came back, slowed down right over our deck, and threw down a huge, stuffed dog! We were so thrilled. Then, he circled around, came back even closer, and threw out an armload of stuffed animals that rained down on our back yard. The kids just shrieked with glee, as did I. Grandpa Phil and Grandma Nancy were here too. It was an amazing moment. Pure joy raining down from heaven blessing us all. I wish I could have captured it on video.

Maybe things are finally looking up. :)

Chuck E Cheese

We had a great night! Grandpa Phil and Grandma Nancy came too, which really helped since Ella needed a helping hand and Pete just wanted to throw all the balls. And he loved riding the big horse.
Lucy had a blast. We took lots of pictures and she made some baskets all on her own shooting with Daddy.
We followed up with a quick trip through McDonalds, presents at home, and cupcakes before bed. It was a fabulous day.

Lucy is 3!!

Today is Lucy's birthday! She brought pretty sprinkle cupcakes for treats to both daycare and preschool, and we made big ones to enjoy at home. We'll have those tonight then head over to Chuck E Cheese! The first thing she said this morning when we talked about her birthday is "It's open? Chuck E Cheese?!" She's VERY excited. Poor Ella won't have much fun, but we'll get her on as many games as we can. She had her first follow up appointment today, and she will have her leg reset in a week. They'll take her back into surgery, move it back into place, and put on a pretty pink cast this time. :)
I can't believe you were born three years ago Lulu Belle...
They are all growing up just so fast. Too fast.
I love you Lucy!!
Mommy

Go Hawks

Today we went to Phil and Jama's and watch UNI and Iowa play. It was a close game, which is good because we really only saw the last few minutes. All the kids had a great time, and it was good for Ella to get out of the house and have some fun.
Tonight Paiton and Hailey came over and decorated brownies with us that we cut out into shapes and loaded up with sprinkles and colored frosting. The weather was beautiful and it was a fun day.

Everything Happens in Threes

I kept saying everything happens in threes, and unfortunately I was right.
Ella was hit by a car coming home from Brown's Saturday night. She only broke her leg, severely, but that was it. She had a scraped knee, but her leg was dangling like rubber from the knee down.
She was SO brave and has an extremely high tolerance for pain. She has a purple cast up to her thigh and will miss three weeks of school. Hopefully, she will be cast free in 4-6 weeks, but we have a journey in front of us.
We are blessed. But three is enough. We are done now.

My Children are Trying to Destroy Me

On Monday, one hour before I needed to be at work, I tripped over the PS2 controllers that were left in that hallway after telling my children three times to pick them up. I immediately knew that I broke something, thankfully it's just my toe. I'm on crutches for a week, which makes watching Pete essentially impossible, and getting around work and home a moderate inconvenience. To make life "easier," I packed all my essentials in my computer backpack so I could remain somewhat independent. In my brief absence, Lucy decided to douse my entire bag with my coffee....new computer and all. That was at 7:37. I was to be in the auditorium at 7:45.
But today, my husband sent me beautiful flowers at school and Ella impressed me again with her independence as she ventured off to her first day of school. Lucy was sad that Ella wasn't with her at daycare, but Pete will move down soon, and she will start preschool next week.
I can't believe how they are growing.
I hope I survive until they are all 18.

Ella's First Day of School

I can't believe Ella started kindergarten today. She was so ready to go and immediately paired up with Emma Beck and Paiton Wallis for a cute buddy photo. She was SO cute and so mature. She will thrive in school.
I didn't even cry. :)

No more babies :(

Today, I took down the crib...for the last time. Pete is now officially in a big boy bed. We are looking at bunk beds for the girls to help make space in their shared bedroom, but having Pete move out of the crib marks a final milestone that is exciting but bittersweet. He's not a baby anymore, which is illustrated by his kamikaze rolls down the driveway on his scooter. He leans back like he's in the luge and away he goes, giggling all the way. I think we might have an adrenaline junkie.
Lucy, of course, loves Pete's bed too, but as long as she's out by the time he goes to sleep, I guess it's okay to share. We do a lot of sharing around here. :) She mostly likes to jump so a bed close to the floor is ideal.
Ella just finished her first season of t-ball. She was usually more interested in playing in the dirt than catching balls, but with only three actually games...make that two (the last one they played random big kids since there was no other team to play), I guess you can't expect too much. She can sure hit that ball and got pretty good at fielding, when she was paying attention. We can barely keep Lucy off the field. She'll be ready to go next year. Even Pete wants to get in the game. Ella can hit a ball really well throwing it to herself with one hand. Andy thinks she might be a good tennis player.
The other day we were driving and Ella noticed a car that was smashed in on one side and, in a very grown up fashion, informed me that car was really damaged. While putting up their princess canopies on their beds, she also matter-of-factly stated this was really a pain in the ass. I had to give her credit on that one, she was dead on.
Lucy has become much more verbal. She likes to "run fast," and go to "chuck e cheese." She can also give me lengthy and descriptive phrases, mostly dictating or commanding what she wants, and will grab your face with both hands to ensure she has your full attention. We're going to have our hands full with this one, at least that's what people seem to keep saying when they meet her. :) Sweet little Lucy.
Pete is speaking better as well. Can clearly say sucker. Not that I've ever given him one of those. :) And goes crazy when he sees the big chocolate chips. He and Lucy love to play together....since they are pretty much the same size. Ella is very good at protecting him and playing the mother role. Lucy is pretty much a bully, but means it with love. :)
Summer is going by in a blur. Lots of days at the pool. You should see their cute little white butts. :) Ella looks like jungle fever and even Lucy has the tropicana tan going on. Pete goes to grandma's for nap time. Too much to safely take all three by myself, but we go sometimes at night when daddy is home. He likes it but is still a little taken aback. He's starting to show a little fearlessness but we're trying to keep that in check for now. :)
Ella has bible school this week at the new church. She is really enjoying it. She goes with Frannie and Patrick and comes home with cool crafts and lots of vigor.
We'll see how tonight goes with the new bed. Can't go any worse than it has been. Poor Petey has two big molars coming in and wakes up during the night in pain. Then Lucy wakes up too and mommy and daddy spends most nights with little sleep. At least it's summer. :)
Night night children...

They just showed on the news that it's the 100th anniversary for Pete's Burgers in Prairie du Chien. Mmmmmm....... Pete's Burgers. Can't wait for the apple fest in the fall!

Happy Easter

We just had a wonderful Easter celebration at Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Phil's house. The weather ended up being a bit chilly, but that didn't stop the Easter fun. The egg hunt was at Grandpa Paul and Grandma Joan's house, and all the kids came. We followed up with a trip to the gym. Which was followed by three very, very tired children. The girls could hardly keep their eyes open. The only thing keeping Ella going was handing out the edible Easter nests she made. The girls were so cute in their dresses, and Pete was a champ, going the second day in a row with less than a 30 minute nap.

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Ella is sick today. :( Too much Easter fun. And we got a little carried away on Saturday too. The weather was beautiful, and we spent the entire day outside. We also broke into the candy a bit. Nothing like two days of junk food and no sleep to send you over the edge.

Pete moved into a booster seat today. He has been wanting to sit at the table with the girls for awhile, so I borrowed mom's pink seat as we tried out a "test move." He loved it. I couldn't get him out of the seat. It was crazy to see all three of those little kids sitting on one side of the table. I just stood there, soaking it all in. I can't believe how quickly they are growing and become the most amazing little individuals.

The other night I was teaching my class, and Ella was at my mom's. All of a sudden, I got an email that read:
"Mommy, what did I have to eat, I forgot. Grandpa Paul asked me.
Ella"

It was so cute. I had to stop what I was doing and email back:
"A sausage and biscuit sandwich with cheese, four pieces of pineapple, and some chocolate marshmallow ice cream I was a GOOD eater!
And grape and apple juice mixed.
No green beans. Lucy at all those. :)"

Just think when all three of them are at the same verbal level?! I'll have to try and write everything down. Even now, Ella constantly amazes and entertains me. Lucy is just starting to do the same. I wish I had a tape recorder going all the time, so I would never forget how precious they each are.

March 26th

All of the kids were taking a bath the other night, when Pete, after I had just taken off his diaper, stood at the toilet….as any young man should…and peed all over the floor. It was perfect, except he’s about a foot too close to the floor. Maybe he’ll be potty trained before Lucy. ☺

Ella just finished kindergarten roundup. I can't believe she's going to school in the fall, but she'll love it! She is more than ready.

Ella and Lucy got haircuts today from Lori Newton. They were both SO good. It was really cute. Ella had cut a piece of her hair awhile back, and Lucy was in dire need of a trim...and some bangs.

We bought flip flops and bubbles today...and swimsuits are on the way! We are all ready for summer to come.

Andy is officiating college baseball, starting this weekend. He is also working an ISU scrimmage next weekend. We are all excited for him.

The kids are all asleep, and it's only 9:30. They've been coming into our bed a lot at night. There are worse things. Some day they won't want anything to do with us, so we can enjoy this while it lasts. :)

March

Well, it's been quite awhile since I've posted anything here. So much has happened in our lives, which keeps me too busy to write about it.

Andy and I went on a trip to Panama. Seven days of heaven. The food was amazing. The weather was perfect. And our view was beyond description. We went through the Panama Canal, spent a day in the rainforest, saw monkeys and crocodiles, and toured through the city. We even relived a scene right out of the latest James Bond movie. We shopped at some local dive markets, got some souvenirs for the kids, and enjoyed some quality time as a couple. It was amazing in every way.

The kids (and our parents), on the other hand, did not enjoy the week as much. Each got sick, so much so that they consecutively had to see the doctor and were sent home from daycare. We never got a phone call (bless you mom and dad), but everyone was ready for a break by the time we got home.

Pete is walking pretty much all the time now and finally has some teeth. You can see at least 8 bumps but three have popped through so far. He's been waking up a lot at night, so I think they hurt the little guy. Actually, I think he just likes the snuggle time with daddy. :)

The girls pop into our bed quite frequently too, and bedtime is exhausting, but everyone is happy and healthy which is all we could ask for.

Dad has started treatments for his lymphoma and is responding well. It's been a hard winter but spring is almost here, and the end is in sight!

Andy is starting spring scrimmages for football and has already been offered one at ISU which thrills us ISU fans. He's also doing some college baseball games which should be fun. I hope to bring the kids to some games, but that might have to wait until a little further down the road.

Ella has kindergarten roundup on the 23rd. I can't believe she's starting school in the fall. I don't know where the time goes.

Still working on potty training with Lucy, but she's getting the idea. We're batting about 500 on that one, so there is still a ways to go. :)

Pete's first day of school

Pete had his first day of school today.  He was very good but seemed a little shellshocked. :)  He went right to Kimmy but had a very serious look on his face.  He did not eat right away but was tentatively taking pancake in his hand and putting it in his moth as I was leaving.  I'm not sure his eyes ever went smaller than "wow."

Grandpa Phil already stopped by to check on him.  They were holding him as he prepared for a nap.  He was such a good boy and I am so comfortable leaving him there.  I just can't believe my last baby is growing up. :(

Winter fun

With all of the cold weather and snow days from school, we have been finding creative, and often messy ways to pass the time.

Yesterday, the girls each cracked their own egg into a bowl and practiced "painting" with the egg on some pieces of bread, their hands, and the counter. :)  They had so much fun I could hardly get upset about the sticky paste they were leaving everywhere.  A house full of toys, and we spend our time with food. 

I have also been baking like crazy, trying all kinds of new recipes, sending most of my yummies with Andy to work.  Brent is a big fan of my caramels. :)  And the ladies in the office want me to go back to work because I'm ruining their diets.

The kids have been very good.  I think I am the only one suffering from the lack of sunshine and time outdoors.  Anxious to break out the jogger for a second round.  I should really keep track of how many miles I log.

The kids haven't been sleeping well, mostly because of teething issues and then they wake each other up.  Thankfully, we can get a full night of sleep every full days to keep us...me...from going over the edge. :)